Boston.com - Your Town blog - Watertown

State Senator Karen Spilka eyes run for Congress

Fri, 24 May 2013 15:59:48 GMT

Massachusetts state Senator Karen Spilka has one more reason for supporting Ed Markey's campaign for U.S. Senate. If Markey wins the seat vacated by John Kerry in the special June 25 election, Spilka said she will run for Markey's seat in the U.S. House.

Manhunt, bombing response cost Watertown police $250k; state, federal aid sought

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:25:20 GMT

Watertown Chief Ed Deveau said Tuesday that the events that unfolded during the week of the Boston Marathon bombings will cost the police department upwards of $250,000 but he hopes the town wont have to bear the cost.

Watertown police to outline their roles in Boston Marathon suspect events at local community forum

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:20:20 GMT

Watertown police will speak to local residents in a community forum May 29 about the events that unfolded locally last month involving the Boston Marathon bombing suspects. The event, organized by the Watertown Police Foundation, will be held Wednesday, May 29 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Watertown High School.

Nearly 500 attend 'Open Arts Day' in Watertown, show support for local police

Thu, 16 May 2013 19:14:06 GMT

Nearly 500 people attended "Open Arts Day," a free open house at the Arsenal Center for the Arts in Watertown earlier this month, showing a strong display of community following the events of the Boston Marathon bombings and subsequent manhunt occurring locally, according to organization officials.

MBTA to launch faster, more informative 'T-Alerts' system; old system to be discontinued

Thu, 16 May 2013 17:43:41 GMT

The MBTA says riders will soon be able to receive faster, more reliable, and more informative alerts, via text and e-mail, about sudden service delays and disruptions and planned changes.

Watertown police stepping up seat belt enforcement this month

Tue, 14 May 2013 19:00:38 GMT

Drivers, it's time to buckle up: The Watertown Police Department will join 120 other local police departments and state entities in a two-week push to enforce seat belt laws locally starting next Monday.

Watertown police officer to run 200 miles for Richard family

Tue, 14 May 2013 18:35:11 GMT

A Watertown police officer will embark on a 200-mile foot race through Vermont this month to raise money for Richard family members from Dorchester, who were deeply affected by the Boston Marathon bombings in April.

Watertown budget hearings begin this week, continue through June

Tue, 14 May 2013 18:10:55 GMT

Watertown town officials will begin a month-long series of budget hearings this week to set the next fiscal year's financial plan, and are encouraging residents to attend the meetings and express their opinions.

Watertown planning officials launch website to gather public feedback

Tue, 07 May 2013 20:10:49 GMT

Watertown officials announced this month that they have launched a website intended to gather public input on drafting the town's comprehensive plan.

Road closures in and around Boston Sunday for Walk for Hunger

Sun, 05 May 2013 12:10:31 GMT

Road closures and traffic delays are expected in Cambridge and Boston and several neighboring communities Sunday as more than 40,000 people are expected to participate in Project Breads 20-mile Walk for Hunger.

Students dole out $20k in grants from Watertown-based Tufts Health Plan Foundation

Fri, 03 May 2013 21:40:05 GMT

Seventeen students from many different local high schools doled out a cumulative $20,000 from the Watertown-based Tufts Health Plan Foundation to three Boston-area nonprofits focusing on improving the lives of older adults at a ceremony this week.

Local mothers invited to "Mom's Nite Out" event at Arsenal Mall in Watertown

Fri, 03 May 2013 20:43:08 GMT

Locals who want to celebrate Mother's Day next week are invited to the Arsenal Mall in Watertown's national "Mom's Nite Out" event on Thursday, which features an evening of free pampering, food, and giveaways, according to organizers.

Watertown man recalls being stopped by police the night of manhunt for Marathon bombers

Thu, 02 May 2013 20:45:03 GMT

The story of a man stopped by law enforcement agents in Watertown on the night of the manhunt for the Marathon bombers.

Foundation started to benefit Watertown police officers, local community

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 19:45:50 GMT

A nonprofit foundation has been created this week to fund supplementary programs for the Watertown Police Department not covered by their town-dictated budget, as well as the local community, foundation organizers said.

Watertown glows with hometown pride after Marathon manhunt

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 02:26:46 GMT

As the national spotlight continues to shine on Watertown, a suburban city situated just west of Boston and Cambridge known for the events that unfolded late last week, residents here are beginning to feel a newfound pride in their hometown, officials said.

'Watertown Strong' shirt profits will go to foundation benefiting Watertown Police Department

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 20:00:21 GMT

Anyone who wants to support the Watertown Police Department - and look trendy while doing so - can now buy an official "Watertown Strong" shirt. The profits will be donated to the Watertown Police Foundation.

Watertown Community Foundation will help fund block parties in Watertown after bombing events

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 19:32:35 GMT

In the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings and other violent events that unfolded locally last week, the Watertown Community Foundation is reminding residents that the organization reimburses up to $200 for charitable block parties in Watertown.

Donations sought to aid Transit Police officer injured in shootout with Boston Marathon bombing suspects

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 18:05:08 GMT

Donations are being collected online and via mail to help Transit Police Officer Richard Dic Donohue Jr., who was shot and critically injured during a violent exchange of gunfire with the two men suspected of bombing the Boston Marathon.

Days After Gunfire - a Moment of Silence in Watertown

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 20:47:36 GMT

Exactly a week to the minute after the first of two terrorist bombs exploded at the Boston Marathon on Boylston Street, Watertown police - who themselves experienced terror in their own community Thursday and Friday - fell silent in an observance to honor those killed and injured in the Marathon attack. Joining in the nationwide tribute, some officers saluted the flag with a hand to their forehead; others placed their hands firmly over their hearts as they gazed up at American flag.

'Random Acts of Pizza' sent to thank Boston-area first responders in wake of bombings, manhunt

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 20:27:32 GMT

First responders in dozens of Boston-area communities are getting free shipments of food primarily pizza sent by people from across the globe who are eager to show their admiration and gratitude for the tireless work of the past week to treat victims, secure neighborhoods and track down two men who allegedly bombed the marathon.

Watertown developments in the search for the Marathon bombing suspects

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 03:10:59 GMT

Near the 7-Eleven in Watertown, as news spread that the suspect was in custody Friday night, applause rang through the intersection.

Officials in Watertown field calls from worried residents

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 22:46:42 GMT

Officials in Watertown have been fielding calls all day, but say they have little information to offer residents who have been asking whats going on.

Earth Day Charles River cleanup postponed

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 21:31:22 GMT

The Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup was postponed from Saturday, April 20, to Saturday, April 27, as authorities continued their manhunt Friday for the second suspect in the Boston Marathon bombings.

Explosions, gunfire, dozens of heavily armed police descend on Watertown

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 20:35:27 GMT

The scene in Watertown was like a police state early Friday morning.

List: Vigils and gatherings to take place this week for marathon victims

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 20:45:00 GMT

A list of local vigils and gatherings to honor the victim's of the Boston Marathon attack.